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The Hairpin Turn in Old Westbury

The #17 Christie
The #17 Christie
Courtesy of The Henry Ford

The blue unique 50-hp front-wheel drive #17 Christie, driven by its designer Walter Christie, sped around the Hairpin Turn. Most of the Old Westbury spectators probably did not appreciate the danger, but more than 2,000 people risked their lives crowding the course on the turn.

Arthur Duray Almost Loses His Mechanician
Arthur Duray Almost Loses His Mechanician

One of the stirring moments that built the legend of the Vanderbilt Cup Race thrilled the crowd at the “Hairpin Turn.” A spare tire and rim strapped to the back of the #18 Lorraine-Dietrich broke loose and began to thrash the gas tank. Riding mechanician Franville clutched the heavy mounted tire and lost his balance. Just as the car skidded through the turn, the French driver Arthur Duray handled the tight corner with one hand on the wheel while rescuing his assistant with his left arm.

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Feature

Book Cover Image

The 128-page book by Howard Kroplick, a researcher and lecturer on the races, contains rare images of the races from the archives of major museums, libraries and private collectors. The book Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island will be available from Arcadia Publishing in March 2008.

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